I’m working on a Nursing exercise and need support.
Case Study
Heart Failure
Patient Profile
M.G. is a 77 year old woman who saw her health care provider for dyspnea. She is now being admitted to the hospital for acute heart failure. She was diagnosed once before with heart failure 6 years ago. She is currently taking the following medications:
Furosemide 40mg po daily
Potassium chloride 20meq po daily
Enalapril 10mg po BID
Subjective data
Was taking furosemide at home but ran out two days ago and has not been able to refill her prescription
Complains of difficulty breathing; had to “sleep in the chair” last night
Has some swelling in her feet that is worse than usual
Objective Data
Physical examination
Temp 98.4 F, pulse 92 irreg., resp. 24 labored, blood pressure 144/86, oxygen saturation 89% on Room air
Ht. 5’5”, wt. 170 lbs.
Alert and oriented to person, place, and time
Fine crackles bilateral lower lobes
Shortness of breath with minimal exertion
S1 and S2 without murmur or extra heart sounds
Capillary refill sluggish in lower extremities, normal in upper extremities
2+ pitting edema bilateral lower extremities
Interprofessional Care
Admission orders include:
Oxygen 2L/ nasal cannula
Furosemide 40mg intravenous BID
Enalapril 10mg po BID
ECG now
Vital signs with SPO2 q 4 hrs
2 gm sodium diet
Strict I&O
Daily weight
Answer the following questions thoroughly
Describe a plan for implementing these orders.
Based on M.G.’s clinical manifestations, what type of heart failure do you suspect? Support your answer
What assessment data will you use to determine the effectiveness of the provider’s orders?
What is the rationale for the oxygen, IV furosemide, and enalapril?
What are the priority nursing diagnoses for this patient? (list at least 3)
What other orders might you anticipate for this patient?
Think about plans for discharge, what are your primary concerns for this patient?
Any other information you need or would like about this patient?
